U.S. patent application number 14/366771 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-04 for method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice information.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philosys Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Jeog In Bag, In Hwan Choi.
Application Number | 20140358580 14/366771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48745249 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140358580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; In Hwan ; et
al. |
December 4, 2014 |
METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY PROCESSING TEST STRIP PURCHASE NOTICE
INFORMATION
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of automatically
processing test strip purchase notice information. When a test
strip is inserted into a bio-data measuring device, the bio-data
measuring device recognizes insertion of the test strip. The
bio-data measuring device measures bio-data from a material
absorbed by the test strip, and counts the test strip used to
measure the bio-data as a validly used test strip. The bio-data
measuring device stores a count value obtained by counting the test
strip as a validly used test strip. If a resulting count value,
obtained by repeating above operations and increasing the count
value, reaches a predetermined number, the bio-data measuring
device automatically transmits information about the resulting
count value to a server. The server receives the information about
the resulting count value, and automatically transmits test strip
purchase notice information to the bio-data measuring device.
Inventors: |
Choi; In Hwan; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Bag; Jeog In; (Anyang-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Philosys Co., Ltd. |
Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
48745249 |
Appl. No.: |
14/366771 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
December 24, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2012/011396 |
371 Date: |
June 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/322 20130101;
A61B 5/150358 20130101; G16H 40/20 20180101; H04M 1/23 20130101;
H04M 1/72527 20130101; H04M 1/21 20130101; A61B 90/90 20160201;
G16H 10/40 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/21 20060101
H04M001/21; A61B 5/15 20060101 A61B005/15; H04M 1/23 20060101
H04M001/23; A61B 19/00 20060101 A61B019/00; G06Q 20/32 20060101
G06Q020/32; G06F 19/00 20060101 G06F019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 3, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0000426 |
Claims
1. A method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, comprising: a) when a test strip is inserted into a
bio-data measuring device, the bio-data measuring device
recognizing insertion of the test strip; b) the bio-data measuring
device measuring bio-data from a material absorbed by the test
strip, and counting the test strip used to measure the bio-data as
a validly used test strip; c) the bio-data measuring device storing
a count value obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used
test strip; d) if a resulting count value, obtained at c) by
repeating a) to c) and increasing the count value, reaches a
predetermined number, the bio-data measuring device automatically
transmitting information about the resulting count value to a
server; and e) the server receiving the information about the
resulting count value, and automatically transmitting test strip
purchase notice information to the bio-data measuring device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein c) comprises the bio-data
measuring device outputting visual or auditory information about
the count value, obtained by counting the test strip as a validly
used test strip.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein e) comprises the server providing
information about payment of a user to the bio-data measuring
device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein: d) comprises automatically
transmitting bio-data of a user stored in the bio-data measuring
device to the server, and e) comprises the server providing data
related to the automatically transmitted bio-data of the user to
the bio-data measuring device, thus enabling data to be exchanged
via a ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein d) and e) are configured to
exchange data via Near Field Communication (NFC).
6. A method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, comprising: a) when a test strip is inserted into a
bio-data measuring device, the bio-data measuring device
recognizing insertion of the test strip; b) the bio-data measuring
device measuring bio-data from a material absorbed by the test
strip, and counting the test strip used to measure the bio-data as
a validly used test strip; c) the bio-data measuring device storing
a count value obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used
test strip; d) the bio-data measuring device automatically
transmitting the count value, obtained at c) by counting the test
strip as a validly used test strip, to a server, and the server
receiving the count value; and e) if a resulting count value,
obtained at d) by repeating a) to d) and increasing the count
value, reaches a predetermined number, the server automatically
transmitting information about the resulting count value and test
strip purchase notice information to the bio-data measuring
device.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein e) comprises the server providing
information about payment of a user to the bio-data measuring
device.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein d) comprises automatically
transmitting bio-data of a user stored in the bio-data measuring
device to the server, and e) comprises the server providing data
related to the automatically transmitted bio-data of the user to
the bio-data measuring device, thus enabling data to be exchanged
via a ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein d) and e) are configured to
exchange data via Near Field Communication (NFC).
10. A method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, comprising: a) when a test strip is inserted into a
blood glucose measurement module, the blood glucose measurement
module recognizing insertion of the test strip; b) the blood
glucose measurement module measuring bio-data from a material
absorbed by the test strip, and counting the test strip used to
measure the bio-data as a validly used test strip; c) transmitting
information about a count value, obtained by counting the test
strip as a validly used test strip, to a smart phone, and the smart
phone storing the information about the count value obtained by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip; d) if a
resulting count value, obtained at c) by repeating a) to c) and
increasing the count value, reaches a predetermined number, the
smart phone automatically transmitting information about the
resulting count value to a server; and e) the server receiving the
information about the resulting count value, and automatically
transmitting test strip purchase notice information to the smart
phone, wherein the blood glucose measurement module comprises: a
main body including a blood glucose measurement unit for measuring
blood glucose contents in blood absorbed by the test strip, and a
central processing unit for calculating and transmitting results of
measurement of the blood glucose contents and a count value
obtained by counting validly used test strips; a test strip
insertion slot formed in a portion of the main body and configured
to have a structure enabling the test strip to be inserted into the
test strip insertion slot; and a plug formed on one side surface of
the main body and configured to have a structure that can be
coupled to a socket of the smart phone, the plug being coupled to
the socket of the smart phone.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the smart phone comprises an
application program capable of processing and managing the results
of the measurement of the blood glucose contents and the count
value obtained by counting the validly used test strips.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein c) comprises the smart phone
outputting visual or auditory information about the count value
obtained by counting the validly used test strips.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein e) comprises the server
providing information about payment of a user to the smart
phone.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein d) comprises automatically
transmitting bio-data of a user stored in the smart phone to the
server, and e) comprises the server providing data related to the
automatically transmitted bio-data of the user to the smart phone,
thus enabling data to be exchanged via a ubiquitous (U)-healthcare
system.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein d) and e) are configured to
exchange data via Near Field Communication (NFC).
16. A method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, comprising: a) when a test strip is inserted into a
blood glucose measurement module, the blood glucose measurement
module recognizing insertion of the test strip; b) the blood
glucose measurement module measuring bio-data from a material
absorbed by the test strip, and counting the test strip used to
measure the bio-data as a validly used test strip; c) transmitting
information about a count value, obtained by counting the test
strip as a validly used test strip, to a smart phone, and the smart
phone storing the information about the count value obtained by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip; d) the smart
phone automatically transmitting the count value, obtained at c) by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip, to the
server, and the server receiving the count value; and e) if a
resulting count value, obtained at d) by repeating a) to d) and
increasing the count value, reaches a predetermined number, the
server automatically transmitting information about the resulting
count value and test strip purchase notice information to the smart
phone, wherein the blood glucose measurement module comprises: a
main body including a blood glucose measurement unit for measuring
blood glucose contents in blood absorbed by the test strip, and a
central processing unit for calculating and transmitting results of
measurement of the blood glucose contents and a count value
obtained by counting validly used test strips; a test strip
insertion slot formed in a portion of the main body and configured
to have a structure enabling the test strip to be inserted into the
test strip insertion slot; and a plug formed on one side surface of
the main body and configured to have a structure that can be
coupled to a socket of the smart phone, the plug being coupled to
the socket of the smart phone.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the smart phone comprises an
application program capable of processing and managing the results
of the measurement of the blood glucose contents and the count
value obtained by counting the validly used test strips.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein e) comprises the server
providing information about payment of a user to the smart
phone.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein d) comprises automatically
transmitting bio-data of a user stored in the smart phone to the
server, and e) comprises the server providing data related to the
automatically transmitted bio-data of the user to the smart phone,
thus enabling data to be exchanged via a ubiquitous (U)-healthcare
system.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein d) and e) are configured to
exchange data via Near Field Communication (NFC).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
and, more particularly, to a method of automatically processing
test strip purchase notice information, which can count the number
of test strips used and can automatically provide test strip
purchase notice information to a user.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A test strip refers to test paper or a test film used to
absorb a liquid biological sample, such as blood, urine, saliva, or
other body fluids, and analyze biological components, such as
glucose, protein, ketone body, bilirubin, occult blood, and/or
nitrite present in the liquid biological sample. Such a test strip
is inserted into and used within a biological sample analysis
device.
[0003] For example, each diabetic individually purchases a blood
glucose monitoring device and a test strip required to measure
blood glucose, collects blood, uses the blood glucose measurement
test strip to absorb collected blood, inserts the blood glucose
measurement test strip containing the collected blood into the
blood glucose monitoring device, and checks a blood glucose level.
In this procedure, since the conventional blood glucose monitoring
device does not have the function of counting the number of test
strips, and does not provide a service for information about the
purchasing of test strips, a user must check the number of
remaining unused test strips each time they use the device. If the
monitoring of the number of remaining test strips is not accurately
conducted, a case may occur where blood glucose may not be measured
due to the absence of a test strip in an emergency situation in
which blood glucose must be urgently measured.
[0004] Further, test strips are generally sold in packs of 50.
Accordingly, when the biological sample analysis device has the
function of counting the number of test strips used therefor,
providing notice to the user to purchase more test strips when the
number of test strips (a count value) reaches a predetermined
number, and enabling the purchasing of test strips to be
automatically processed, the user can conveniently use the
biological sample analysis device without separately managing the
purchasing of test strips.
[0005] Therefore, the present inventors developed a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information,
which can count the number of test strips used so that the number
of times bio-data is measured can be accurately checked, which can
automatically provide test strip purchase notice information to a
user, and which enable extra test strips to be immediately
purchased.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a method of automatically
processing test strip purchase notice information, which can count
the number of test strips used so that the number of times bio-data
is measured can be accurately checked.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, which can automatically provide test strip purchase
notice information to a user.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, which enables extra test strips to be immediately
purchased.
[0009] The above and other objects of the present invention can be
achieved by the present invention which will be described
later.
Solution to Problem
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention to
accomplish the above objects, there is provided a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information,
including a) when a test strip is inserted into a bio-data
measuring device, the bio-data measuring device recognizing
insertion of the test strip; b) the bio-data measuring device
measuring bio-data from a material absorbed by the test strip, and
counting the test strip used to measure the bio-data as a validly
used test strip; c) the bio-data measuring device storing a count
value obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used test
strip; d) if a resulting count value, obtained at c) by repeating
a) to c) and increasing the count value, reaches a predetermined
number, the bio-data measuring device automatically transmitting
information about the resulting count value to a server; and e) the
server receiving the information about the resulting count value,
and automatically transmitting test strip purchase notice
information to the bio-data measuring device.
[0011] Preferably, c) may include the bio-data measuring device
outputting visual or auditory information about the count value,
obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used test
strip.
[0012] Preferably, e) may include the server providing information
about payment of a user to the bio-data measuring device.
[0013] Preferably, d) may include automatically transmitting
bio-data of a user stored in the bio-data measuring device to the
server, and e) may include the server providing data related to the
automatically transmitted bio-data of the user to the bio-data
measuring device, thus enabling data to be exchanged via a
ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system.
[0014] Preferably, d) and e) may be configured to exchange data via
Near Field Communication (NFC).
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information,
including a) when a test strip is inserted into a bio-data
measuring device, the bio-data measuring device recognizing
insertion of the test strip; b) the bio-data measuring device
measuring bio-data from a material absorbed by the test strip, and
counting the test strip used to measure the bio-data as a validly
used test strip; c) the bio-data measuring device storing a count
value obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used test
strip; d) the bio-data measuring device automatically transmitting
the count value, obtained at c) by counting the test strip as a
validly used test strip, to a server, and the server receiving the
count value; and e) if a resulting count value, obtained at d) by
repeating a) to d) and increasing the count value, reaches a
predetermined number, the server automatically transmitting
information about the resulting count value and test strip purchase
notice information to the bio-data measuring device.
[0016] Preferably, e) may include the server providing information
about payment of a user to the bio-data measuring device.
[0017] Preferably, d) may include automatically transmitting
bio-data of a user stored in the bio-data measuring device to the
server, and e) may include the server providing data related to the
automatically transmitted bio-data of the user to the bio-data
measuring device, thus enabling data to be exchanged via a
ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system.
[0018] Preferably, d) and e) may be configured to exchange data via
Near Field Communication (NFC).
[0019] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention
to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information,
including a) when a test strip is inserted into a blood glucose
measurement module, the blood glucose measurement module
recognizing insertion of the test strip; b) the blood glucose
measurement module measuring bio-data from a material absorbed by
the test strip, and counting the test strip used to measure the
bio-data as a validly used test strip; c) transmitting information
about a count value, obtained by counting the test strip as a
validly used test strip, to a smart phone, and the smart phone
storing the information about the count value obtained by counting
the test strip as a validly used test strip; d) if a resulting
count value, obtained at c) by repeating a) to c) and increasing
the count value, reaches a predetermined number, the smart phone
automatically transmitting information about the resulting count
value to a server; and e) the server receiving the information
about the resulting count value, and automatically transmitting
test strip purchase notice information to the smart phone, wherein
the blood glucose measurement module includes a main body including
a blood glucose measurement unit for measuring blood glucose
contents in blood absorbed by the test strip, and a central
processing unit for calculating and transmitting results of
measurement of the blood glucose contents and a count value
obtained by counting validly used test strips; a test strip
insertion slot formed in a portion of the main body and configured
to have a structure enabling the test strip to be inserted into the
test strip insertion slot; and a plug formed on one side surface of
the main body and configured to have a structure that can be
coupled to a socket of the smart phone, the plug being coupled to
the socket of the smart phone.
[0020] Preferably, the smart phone may include an application
program capable of processing and managing the results of the
measurement of the blood glucose contents and the count value
obtained by counting the validly used test strips.
[0021] Preferably, c) may include the smart phone outputting visual
or auditory information about the count value obtained by counting
the validly used test strips.
[0022] Preferably, e) may include the server providing information
about payment of a user to the smart phone.
[0023] Preferably, d) may include automatically transmitting
bio-data of a user stored in the smart phone to the server, and e)
may include the server providing data related to the automatically
transmitted bio-data of the user to the smart phone, thus enabling
data to be exchanged via a ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system.
[0024] Preferably, d) and e) may be configured to exchange data via
Near Field Communication (NFC).
[0025] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a
method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, including a) when a test strip is inserted into a
blood glucose measurement module, the blood glucose measurement
module recognizing insertion of the test strip; b) the blood
glucose measurement module measuring bio-data from a material
absorbed by the test strip, and counting the test strip used to
measure the bio-data as a validly used test strip; c) transmitting
information about a count value, obtained by counting the test
strip as a validly used test strip, to a smart phone, and the smart
phone storing the information about the count value obtained by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip; d) the smart
phone automatically transmitting the count value, obtained at c) by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip, to the
server, and the server receiving the count value; and e) if a
resulting count value, obtained at d) by repeating a) to d) and
increasing the count value, reaches a predetermined number, the
server automatically transmitting information about the resulting
count value and test strip purchase notice information to the smart
phone, wherein the blood glucose measurement module includes a main
body including a blood glucose measurement unit for measuring blood
glucose contents in blood absorbed by the test strip, and a central
processing unit for calculating and transmitting results of
measurement of the blood glucose contents and a count value
obtained by counting validly used test strips; a test strip
insertion slot formed in a portion of the main body and configured
to have a structure enabling the test strip to be inserted into the
test strip insertion slot; and a plug formed on one side surface of
the main body and configured to have a structure that can be
coupled to a socket of the smart phone, the plug being coupled to
the socket of the smart phone.
[0026] Preferably, the smart phone may include an application
program capable of processing and managing the results of the
measurement of the blood glucose contents and the count value
obtained by counting the validly used test strips.
[0027] Preferably, e) may include the server providing information
about payment of a user to the smart phone.
[0028] Preferably, d) may include automatically transmitting
bio-data of a user stored in the smart phone to the server, and e)
may include the server providing data related to the automatically
transmitted bio-data of the user to the smart phone, thus enabling
data to be exchanged via a ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system.
[0029] Preferably, d) and e) may be configured to exchange data via
Near Field Communication (NFC).
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0030] The present invention is advantageous in that it can provide
a method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information, which can count the number of test strips used so that
the number of times bio-data is measured can be accurately checked,
which can automatically provide test strip purchase notice
information to a user, and which enables extra test strips to be
immediately purchased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically showing a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the
appearance of a blood glucose measurement module according to still
another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the
appearance of a blood glucose measurement module and a smart phone
according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0037] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a method of automatically
processing test strip purchase notice information according to
embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to the attached drawings.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, a method of automatically processing
test strip purchase notice information according to an embodiment
of the present invention includes steps S110 to S150. At step S110,
when a test strip is inserted into a bio-data measuring device, the
bio-data measuring device recognizes the insertion of the test
strip. At step S120, the bio-data measuring device measures
bio-data from a material absorbed by the test strip, and counts the
test strip used to measure the bio-data as a validly used test
strip. At step S130, the bio-data measuring device stores a count
value obtained by counting the corresponding test strip as a
validly used test strip. If a resulting count value, obtained at
step S130 by repeating steps S110 to S130 and increasing the count
value, reaches a predetermined number, the bio-data measuring
device automatically transmits information about the resulting
count value to a server at step S140. At step S150, the server
receives information about the resulting count value, and
automatically transmits test strip purchase notice information to
the bio-data measuring device.
[0040] Step S110 is the step of the bio-data measuring device
recognizing the insertion of the test strip. The user may insert a
test strip into the bio-data measuring device without conducting
the action of causing a material for bio-data measurement to be
absorbed by the test strip, and then reuse the inserted test strip.
In this case, the bio-data measuring device does not count the
corresponding test strip as a validly used test strip. Step S120
corresponds to a case where a material for bio-data measurement is
absorbed by the test strip. In this case, the bio-data measuring
device measures bio-data from the material absorbed by the test
strip, and counts the test strip used to measure the bio-data as a
validly used test strip. That is, the bio-data measuring device
measures bio-data from the material absorbed by the test strip, and
the user would not reuse the test strip by which the material for
bio-data measurement has already been absorbed. Accordingly, in
this case, the bio-data measuring device regards the used test
strip as a validly used test strip, and increases a count value to
indicate that one test strip has been used. Thereafter, the
bio-data measuring device performs the step S130 of storing the
count value obtained by counting the corresponding test strip as a
validly used test strip.
[0041] Thereafter, if the resulting count value, obtained at step
S130 by repeating steps S110 to S130 and increasing the count
value, reaches a predetermined number, the step S140 of the
bio-data measuring device automatically transmitting information
about the resulting count value to the server is performed. For
example, the bio-data measuring device repeats the operation of
increasing the count value to indicate that one test strip has been
used, for the validly used test strip. If the resulting count value
reaches a predetermined number, the bio-data measuring device
automatically transmits information about the resulting count value
to the server. Generally, since test strips are sold in packs of
50, it is preferable to perform setting such that if the resulting
count value reaches a specific one of numbers ranging from 40 to
45, the bio-data measuring device automatically transmits
information about the resulting count value to the server. After
step S140, the server that received the information about the
resulting count value performs the step S150 of automatically
transmitting test strip purchase notice information to the bio-data
measuring device.
[0042] Step S130 may be configured to include the step of the
bio-data measuring device outputting visual or auditory information
about the count value obtained by counting the corresponding test
strip as a validly used test strip. In this case, the output of
visual information is preferably configured to display the visual
information using a display component provided in the bio-data
measuring device, and the output of auditory information is
preferably configured to output a beep sound implemented in the
bio-data measuring device to the outside of the device.
[0043] Step S150 may be configured to include the step of the
server providing information about the payment of a consumer (user)
to the bio-data measuring device. When the server provides
information about the payment of the consumer, together with the
test strip purchase notice information, to the bio-data measuring
device, there is an advantage in that the consumer can check useful
test strip purchase notice information, pay for test strips, and
then conveniently purchase the test strips.
[0044] The method of automatically processing test strip purchase
notice information according to the present invention can be
implemented using various communication methods. For example, when
the test strip purchase notice information is automatically
processed by a Ubiquitous (U)-healthcare system, the bio-data
measuring device can provide various types of bio-data measurement
values, measured by the bio-data measuring device, as well as
information about the resulting count value, to a plurality of
servers provided in a pharmacy, a hospital, a healthcare
corporation, etc., receive data related to the bio-data of the user
in real time from the plurality of servers, and monitor the data.
Also, the bio-data measuring device can be connected to a hospital
and a doctor over a network and can be provided with medical
examination and treatment information. Furthermore, steps S140 and
S150 can be configured to exchange data via Near Field
Communication (NFC), such as Bluetooth.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically showing a method of
automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the method of automatically processing
test strip purchase notice information according to another
embodiment of the present invention includes steps S210 to S250. At
step S210, when a test strip is inserted into a bio-data measuring
device, the bio-data measuring device recognizes the insertion of
the test strip. At step S220, the bio-data measuring device
measures bio-data from a material absorbed by the test strip, and
counts the test strip used to measure the bio-data as a validly
used test strip. At step S230, the bio-data measuring device stores
a count value obtained by counting the corresponding test strip as
a validly used test strip. At step S240, the bio-data measuring
device automatically transmits the count value, obtained at step
S230 by counting the test strip as a validly used test strip, to
the server, and the server receives the count value. If a resulting
count value, obtained at step S240 by repeating steps S210 to S240
and increasing the count value, reaches a predetermined number, the
server automatically transmits information about the resulting
count value and test strip purchase notice information to the
bio-data measuring device at step S250.
[0047] Steps S210 to S230 are performed in the same manner as that
of steps S110 to S130 of FIG. 1. However, step S240 is the step of
the bio-data measuring device automatically transmitting the
increased count value obtained by counting all validly used test
strips to the server, and the server receiving the count value,
wherein the resulting count value is processed by the server.
Therefore, if the resulting count value, obtained by repeating
steps S210 to S240 and increasing the count value, reaches a
predetermined number, the server automatically transmits
information about the resulting count value and test strip purchase
notice information to the bio-data measuring device at step
S250.
[0048] Step S250 may be configured to include the step of the
server providing information about the payment of a consumer to the
bio-data measuring device. When step S240 includes the step of
automatically transmitting the bio-data of the user stored in the
bio-data measuring device to the server, and step S250 further
includes the step of providing data related to the automatically
transmitted bio-data of the user to the bio-data measuring device,
the exchange of data is performed by the U-healthcare system, thus
obtaining the advantages of acquiring various types of health
information and enabling remote treatment to be performed in real
time. Further, steps S240 and S250 may be configured to exchange
data via NFC, such as Bluetooth.
[0049] FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts schematically showing a method
of automatically processing test strip purchase notice information
according to other embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 5 is
a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a blood
glucose measurement module according to still another embodiment of
the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view
schematically showing the appearance of a blood glucose measurement
module and a smart phone according to still another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a method of automatically
processing test strip purchase notice information according to a
further embodiment of the present invention includes steps S310 to
S350. At step S310, when a test strip is inserted into a blood
glucose measurement module, the blood glucose measurement module
recognizes the insertion of the test strip. At step S320, the blood
glucose measurement module measures bio-data from a material
absorbed by the test strip, and counts the test strip used to
measure the bio-data as a validly used test strip. At step S330,
information about a count value obtained by counting the test strip
as a validly used test strip is transmitted to a smart phone, and
the smart phone stores the information about the count value
obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used test strip.
If a resulting count value, obtained at step S330 by repeating
steps S310 to S330 and increasing the count value, reaches a
predetermined number, the smart phone automatically transmits
information about the resulting count value to a server at step
S340. At step S350, the server receives information about the
resulting count value, and automatically transmits test strip
purchase notice information to the smart phone.
[0051] Step S310 is the step of, when the test strip is inserted
into the blood glucose measurement module, the blood glucose
measurement module recognizing the insertion of the test strip.
Since the blood glucose measurement module includes a blood glucose
measurement unit and a central processing unit, it is configured to
recognize whether the test strip has been inserted. Thereafter, the
blood glucose measurement module performs the step S320 of
measuring bio-data from the material absorbed by the test strip,
determining that the test strip used to measure the bio-data is a
validly used test strip, and then increasing a count value to
indicate that one test strip has been used. If it is not determined
that the corresponding test strip is a validly used test strip, the
process described in the above embodiment of the present invention
is performed. Thereafter, step S330 is performed where the
information about the count value obtained by counting the test
strip as a validly used test strip is transmitted to the smart
phone, and the smart phone stores information about the count value
obtained by counting the test strip as a validly used test
strip.
[0052] Thereafter, the step S340 of, if the resulting count value,
obtained at step S330 by repeating steps S310 to S330 and
increasing the count value, reaches a predetermined number, the
smart phone automatically transmitting information about the
resulting count value to the server, and the step S350 of the
server receiving the information about the resulting count value
and automatically transmitting test strip purchase notice
information to the smart phone, are sequentially performed. Steps
S340 and S350 are performed in the same manner as that of the above
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Furthermore, a method of automatically processing test strip
purchase notice information according to yet another embodiment of
the present invention includes steps S410 to S450. At step S410,
when a test strip is inserted into a blood glucose measurement
module, the blood glucose measurement module recognizes the
insertion of the test strip. At step S420, the blood glucose
measurement module measures bio-data from a material absorbed by
the test strip, and counts the test strip used to measure the
bio-data, as a validly used test strip. At step S430, information
about a count value obtained by counting the test strip as a
validly used test strip is transmitted to a smart phone, and the
smart phone stores information about the count value obtained by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip. At step S440,
the smart phone automatically transmits the count value obtained by
counting the test strip as a validly used test strip at step S430
to a server, and the server receives the count value. If a
resulting count value, obtained at step S440 by repeating steps
S410 to S440 and increasing the count value, reaches a
predetermined number, the server automatically transmits
information about the resulting count value and test strip purchase
notice information to the smart phone at step S450.
[0054] In this case, steps S410 to S430 are processed in the same
manner as steps S310 to S330 of FIG. 3, and the server receives the
increased count value obtained by counting each test strip as a
validly used test strip whenever each test strip is measured, and
automatically transmits information about the resulting count value
and test strip purchase notice information to the smart phone at
steps S440 and S450.
[0055] Further, the smart phone used according to still another
embodiment of the present invention is preferably configured to
include an application program capable of processing and managing
the results of the measurement of blood glucose contents and the
count value obtained by counting validly used test strips.
[0056] Step S330 may be configured to include the step of the smart
phone outputting visual or auditory information about the count
value obtained by counting the corresponding test strip as a
validly used test strip. The visual or auditory information is
configured, as described above. Each of steps S350 and S450 may be
configured to include the step of providing information about the
payment of each consumer to the smart phone. In this case, the
consumer has the advantage of reducing temporal efforts to manage
and purchase test strips.
[0057] A blood glucose measurement module according to still
another embodiment of the present invention is configured to
include a main body 110, a test strip insertion slot 120, and a
plug 130. The main body 110 includes a blood glucose measurement
unit for measuring blood glucose contents in blood absorbed by a
test strip, and a central processing unit for calculating and
transmitting a count value obtained by counting validly used test
strips. The test strip insertion slot 120 is formed in a portion of
the main body and has a structure enabling the test strip to be
inserted into the test strip insertion slot. The plug 130 is formed
on one side surface of the main body and has a structure that can
be coupled to the socket 210 of a smart phone 200, the plug 130
being configured to be coupled to the socket of the smart
phone.
[0058] The main body 110 is a device containing units for measuring
blood glucose, such as the blood glucose measurement unit for
measuring blood glucose contents in blood absorbed by the test
strip and the central processing unit for calculating and
transmitting the results of the measurement of the blood glucose
contents, and does not need to separately include a power supply
unit and a display unit, thus obtaining the advantage of realizing
small size and light weight.
[0059] The test strip insertion slot 120 is a unit formed in a
portion of the main body and having a structure enabling the test
strip to be inserted into the slot. The structure and design of the
test strip insertion slot 120 are not especially limited as long as
the test strip can be easily inserted into the test strip insertion
slot.
[0060] Further, the plug 130 is a unit formed on one side surface
of the main body and having a structure that can be coupled to the
socket of the smart phone. Preferably, the plug 130 has a structure
that can be easily coupled to the socket of the smart phone. The
type and shape of the plug 130 are not especially limited, but the
plug 130 may preferably be implemented as a phone jack plug or a
pin plug so that it can be easily coupled to the smart phone.
[0061] Furthermore, the blood glucose measurement module 100
according to still another embodiment of the present invention can
be used with the module 100 coupled to the socket 210 of the smart
phone 200. That is, when the glucose measurement module 100 is used
with the plug of the blood glucose measurement module 100 coupled
to the socket 210 of the smart phone 200, blood glucose data is
obtained in such a way that the blood glucose measurement module
100 measures and calculates blood glucose contents in blood
absorbed by the test strip using power supplied by the power supply
unit of the smart phone 200 and transmits data about the blood
glucose contents to the smart phone 200. During this procedure, the
method of automatically processing test strip purchase notice
information can be easily implemented using the blood glucose
measurement application program of the smart phone 200 capable of
processing and managing measured blood glucose data.
[0062] When the blood glucose measurement module 100 is used with
the plug of the blood glucose measurement module 100 coupled to the
socket 210 of the smart phone 200, all of input, output, and power
can be used, thus obtaining the advantage of realizing very high
commercialization. Further, with regard to a communication scheme
related to data, a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) method is
preferably used, but the communication scheme of the present
invention is not necessarily limited thereto and can be easily
modified in various manners depending on the purpose and means of
usage.
[0063] The type and shape of the socket 210 are not especially
limited, but it is preferable to implement the socket 210 as a
phone jack socket that can be coupled to the phone jack plug of the
blood glucose measurement module 100 or a port that can be coupled
to the pin plug. However, since a coupling structure using the pin
can be inversely configured between the smart phone and the blood
glucose measurement module, the structure is not necessarily
limited to the above-described coupling structure, and it should be
understood that structures that can be easily replaced and modified
by those skilled in the art belong to the scope of the present
invention without departing from the technical spirit of the
present invention.
[0064] Further, as described above, the method of automatically
processing test strip purchase notice information using the blood
glucose measurement module and the smart phone can also be
performed by means of a U-healthcare system or NFC, such as
Bluetooth, through the medium of the smart phone and the
server.
[0065] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present
invention should be defined by the technical spirit of the
accompanying claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0066] As described above, the present invention is advantageous in
that a consumer can check useful test strip purchase notice
information, pay for test strips, and conveniently purchase test
strips by using the method of automatically processing test strip
purchase notice information according to the present invention.
* * * * *